The Kedarkantha Trek, if ever there is one trek that serves as a summary of what the Indian Himalayas in winter is all about – it’s this. Cloaked in snow, virgin forest and a peak that glows underneath the morning sun, this trail has found its way into the itineraries of bucket list trekkers.Reader’s contribution on 52 Places to Go in 2017 | Send us your travel storiesP C Thomas (second from left) along with his family atop GorichenAdvertisementWorld’s Best Trek – Tails of an Indian TrekkerIn search of something at the end of the worldOnline.The season was June — not because it is ideal but we had no other time. The Kedarkantha peak itself is the most beautiful and gives a 360 degree view at 12,500 ft!
Every year thousands of trekkers’ treks this winter wonderland with trustworthy trek organisers like TrekYaari by their side.
What makes the Kedarkantha trek different
It is all snow paradise on every bent.
The snow-frosted pine trees, icy streams and shimmering white slopes as you wander along the trail make you feel like you’re inside the movie version of winter. The peace and quiet of the woods as well as the sound that snow makes when you walk through it with your boots is very satisfying.
One of the Most Straightforward and Easy Trekking Peaks for Novices
The Kedarkantha Trek is not too difficult and it is a nice one for the ones who are just starting to trek in the Himalayas.
Gentle elevation
Predictable trail
No technical climbing
TrekYaari’s expert guidance
And that is why it’s one of the most frequent recommendations for your first Himalayan summit trek.
Golden Sunrise from the Summit
Height of Summit is the highest point of this trek and one of the best place to view sunrise. They?re views of the Himalayan behemoths such as Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch and Black Peak glistening in early morning light or — if your luck intersects noticeably with the weather?s misfortune — under a curtain of snowflakes. It’s something you never forget.
Kedarkantha Trek Itinerary (TrekYaari Style)
Day 1 — Dehradun to Sankri
The base village, Sankri is accessible via the picturesque drive passing through forests, rivers and mountain roads. We house our TrekYaari teams here to brief and relax.
Day 2 : Sankri to Juda Ka Talab
The trail works its way up above fairy-tale forests of tall pines to Juda Ka Talab, a high-altitude lake set in dense woods. In the winter it freezes over sometimes, a magical campsite.
Day 3 — Juda Ka Talab to Base Camp
The magnitude of the place struck us as we approached and neared the base.
The trail then opens on to white, snow covered landscape show cased by beautiful views. The base camp sits just beneath the summit, and has tranquil, placid Himalayan vibes.
Day 4 — Summit Day & Return
The most adventurous day of the Kedarkantha Trek. We commence our TrekYaari led trek in the early hours of the morning. Remember to wake up early and reach the top counter-clockwise, take it nice and slow. The final ridge is an easy walk up the last few feet are steep, but secure feeling and watching the sun come up is worth it.
Day 5 — Return to Sankri and Depart.
A snug ply through the snow-laden woods completes the ride.
Best time to visit Kedarkantha Trek
December to March (Winter)
❄ Heavy snow
❄ Frozen landscapes
❄ Golden sunrise
❄ True winter-trek experience
October–November (Autumn)
🍂 Clear mountain views
🍂 Colourful forests
🍂 Perfect weather
April–June (Summer)
🌿 No snow, green valleys
🌿 Pleasant temperatures
🌿 Perfect for beginners
Difficulty Level
In the Difficulty Level Scare, Kedarkantha Trek is marked Easy to Moderate.
It’s perfect for beginners, families and anyone with a moderate level of fitness. And with an experienced crew & slow pace of TrekYaari, snow trek is secure & pleasant.
What You Should Pack
Clothing
Thermals
Fleece layer
Padded jacket
Waterproof gloves
Woollen socks
Warm cap
Gear
Trekking shoes (good grip)
50–60L backpack
Headlamp
Trekking pole
Water bottle
Personal Items
Lip balm
Sunscreen
Medicines
Power bank
Energy snacks
Layering properly is essential for staying comfortable and warm while hiking in winter.
How to Reach Sankri
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun.
By Train: Dehradun Railway Station
How to Reach Munsiyari By Road: 190–200 kms from Dehradun.
TrekYaari also offers pick-up and drop services for all their Kedarkantha batches.
Why TrekYaari for Kedarkantha Trek
Experienced Himalayan guides
High-quality tents and equipment
Safe winter-trek setup
Hygienic food and hot meals
Beginner-friendly support
Affordable and transparent pricing
And with TrekYaari, make your Kedarkantha trek easier, safer and more fun.
Final Words
The Kedarkantha Trek is more than just a trek in winters, it’s an emotion. It’s chilly mornings that warm your heart, powdery forests that stop you in your tracks and a summit sunrise you’ll have for the rest of your days. Kedarkantha plays the epicentre for both – a first trekker’s date with early snow and the experienced trekker’s affair close to Christmas doing what she knows best! The journey sure is one to remember, with TrekYaari by your side!
